Let’s rip the band-aid off: your network is either fuelling your fire or quietly snuffing it out.
If reading that made you think of a name or two, the ones that make your stomach lurch when their number flashes up on your phone, then we need to talk.
We’ve all heard that tired old line: “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” But here’s the thing… You get to choose those five people. Yet somehow, many of us have energy vampires on speed dial and dream killers getting VIP access to our lives, while our boldest ideas gather dust in the too-hard basket.
Think of your inner circle as your personal board of directors. If you were running a multi-million dollar business (which, let’s face it, you are in your own way), would you allow someone who turns up late, whines constantly, and can’t see past their own ego to take a seat at the table? No? Then why are they getting premium access to your energy, vision, and growth?
It’s time to audit your circle. Here are the 12 people quietly sabotaging your momentum, and why it’s time to let them go.
- The Saboteur: Poses as your biggest fan, but every conversation ends with “I’m just being realistic” before they torpedo your dreams.
- The Backstabber: Compliments you to your face, undermines you behind your back, and calls it “honesty.”
- The Dream Stealer: Projects their own fears onto you, wrapped in faux concern. “I just don’t want you to get hurt,” they say, while they clip your wings.
- The Energy Vampire: One coffee with them and you’re emotionally bankrupt for a week.
- The Sceptic: Has a doctorate in playing devil’s advocate but goes radio silent when it’s time to actually solve a problem.
- The Narcissist: Somehow thinks your wins are actually their doing. They’ll have a front-row seat to your success and still make it about them.
- The Liar: Big promises, no follow-through. The human version of “trust me, babe” with none of the delivery.
- The Critic: Thinks they’re giving feedback but really just enjoys the sound of their own cutting remarks.
- The Labeler: Keeps trying to shove you into a version of yourself that you outgrew years ago.
- The Bully: Uses fear to stay in control. Gaslighting and intimidation dressed up as “tough love.”
- The Gossip: Your deepest thoughts are tomorrow’s lunchroom entertainment.
- The Coaster: No ambition, no fire, no momentum – but plenty of opinions about your life.
Removing these people isn’t about being cruel. It’s about being conscious. Strategic. Protective of your energy, your vision, and your growth.
You wouldn’t put low-quality fuel in a race car and expect it to win. So why are you giving your time and energy to people who drain you?
Building a next-level business or life isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who’s sitting beside you when you do it.
The people who hype you, challenge you, and remind you who you are when self-doubt kicks in. The people who’ll pass you the mic, not cut your sound.
Your network is your net worth. And you don’t need a crowd, you need a crew.
So be bold. Be ruthless if you have to. Start editing the cast list of your life like your legacy depends on it. And if you’d like to learn more about this topic, then check out my latest podcast episode
Janine x